Johnny Frigo, 90; Jazz Violinist and Bassist

One of his more memorable assignments came in 1941, when he was asked to join the touring big band of movie comedian Chico Marx, the Marx Brother who specialized in ludicrous Italian accents.

They worked out a recurring gag where Marx would say, "Aye, Johnny, bringa da violin down. Do you know 'Gypsy Love Song?' "

Mr. Frigo: "I don't know the verse; I know the chorus. If you play the verse, I'll noodle on the violin."

Marx: "Okay, you noodle on the violin, and I'll spaghetti on the piano."

Decades later, Mr. Frigo called the bit "ridiculous. But, little by little, it became a good routine. Every theater we played, it would extend itself. I would play a beautiful crescendo and slide down, and he'd say, 'You'd better pull up to a gas stand. You've got a slow leak.' "

During World War II, Mr. Frigo served in the Coast Guard and formed a band with several others stationed on Ellis Island, including such leading bebop musicians as pianist Al Haig, baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff and trombonist Kai Winding.

After the war, he spent two years with Dorsey and appeared in the biographical film "The Fabulous Dorseys" -- about the rivalry between bandleader brothers Jimmy and Tommy.

As a bandleader, Mr. Frigo recorded one album in his prime, "I Love Johnny Frigo. . . . He Swings" (1957) featuring his Soft Winds guitarist Ellis as well as bassist Ray Brown, pianist Dick Marx and trumpeter Cy Touff.

Although he recorded regularly, Mr. Frigo did not enjoy much recognition as a leader until the late 1980s, when he started making several well-received jazz albums that featured, among others, father-son guitarists Bucky and John Pizzarelli.

After one of Mr. Frigo's engagements in Southern California, Los Angeles Times music critic Don Heckman wrote that the musician "made a convincing case for himself as the premier violinist in contemporary jazz."

About that time, Mr. Frigo appeared twice playing violin on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. When the host asked why Mr. Frigo waited so long to become famous, he replied, "Because there won't be enough time left for me to become a has-been."

In 1995, he orchestrated a Soft Winds reunion on a jazz cruise aboard the S.S. Norway that included Ellis, Carter and Washington-area bassist Keter Betts. They subsequently released the album "Soft Winds Then and Now." Mr. Frigo remained a vital figure at jazz summits and other musical gatherings.

His marriage to Dorothy Hachmeister Frigo ended in divorce.

Survivors include his second wife, Brittney Browne of Chicago; a son from his first marriage, jazz drummer Rick Frigo of Chicago; a sister; and three grandchildren. A son from his second marriage, rock guitarist Derek Frigo, died in 2004 of an apparent drug overdose.